Jared Goff in concussion protocol following big hit in Rams’ loss to Seahawks

As a special teams coordinator, John Fassel seeks physical players for coverage and return units.

When it comes to quarterbacks, the Rams’ interim coach values the cerebral.

That was the message he delivered to Jared Goff on Friday, a day after the No. 1 pick in the draft was put into concussion protocol in the aftermath of a hit absorbed while scrambling during a 24-3 defeat at Seattle.

Goff’s decision not to slide or to step out of bounds in the fourth quarter enabled Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman to deliver a punishing blow.

“I told Jared, ‘From a quarterback perspective, you know, brains gotta trump the brawn,’” Fassel said during a news conference at the team’s Thousand Oaks training facility.

Goff was on-site Friday receiving treatment. Fassel said he “seems sharp” but also was “a little banged up.”

The Rams are off this weekend before returning Monday to begin preparations for Saturday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers at the Coliseum.

The extra time affords Goff added opportunity to recover and gain clearance to possibly participate in his sixth game.

The first five have been a mixed bag.

Goff has completed 88 of 161 passes (54.7%) for 879 yards and four touchdowns, with five interceptions.

Against the Seahawks, he completed 13 of 25 passes for 135 yards. He was sacked four times, increasing his season total to 15.

Fassel said Sherman’s hit after Goff’s sideline scramble triggered a medical timeout that was initiated by the NFL.

“They got him out of the game,” Fassel said.

If Goff returns against the 49ers, it will be the first opportunity for the Northern California native to play against his hometown team.

Goff was inactive for the season opener at Levi’s Stadium, where the 49ers routed the Rams, 28-0, in their only victory of the season.

Goff replaced Case Keenum as the starter in Week 11 against Miami.

Seahawks cornerback DeShawn Shead said Goff “has potential to definitely be a great quarterback.”

But he added, “Definitely have to do some things over there to get him going.”

Controlling the pass rush and holding onto catchable balls would be a start.

“We’ve been struggling picking up all kinds of blitzes,” center Tim Barnes said, “and obviously we know they’re going to try and do that. . . . We just have to do a better job.”

Goff has missed his share of open receivers — Tavon Austin got behind coverage on a wheel route against Atlanta and Brian Quick was wide open in the end zone in the first quarter against the Seahawks — but he also has been under seemingly constant pressure and has experienced multiple drops by receivers.

Veteran tight end Lance Kendricks and veteran receivers Austin, Quick and Kenny Britt have struggled at times throughout the season catching passes from Keenum and Goff.

On Thursday, rookie receiver Michael Thomas ran a deep route and got behind coverage. Goff’s long pass was underthrown, but Thomas dropped a catchable ball. In the previous game against Atlanta, he muffed the opening kickoff.

“Michael Thomas is a guy that we have to be patient with and he’s going to blossom into a really, really good football player — not only on special teams, but also on offense,” Fassel said. “He works so hard, he does everything he’s asked, he’s tough, he’s mentally strong.

“He’s crushed that he dropped the pass, and that he dropped the kickoff, the return. But I really believe in the kid and I think he’s got great potential and hopefully he keeps his morale up and knows that I love him.”

Goff also cannot afford a loss of confidence.

If he is cleared this week, he will have two games to continue his development going into next season. The Rams have lost nine of their last 10 games.

“He’s definitely going to be a great quarterback in this league, it just takes time,” Austin said, adding, “He will be all right, it will even get better from here. Can’t get no worse.”

Quick hits

Safety Marqui Christian was put on injured reserve because of an ankle injury, Fassel said. Cornerback Mike Jordan is in concussion protocol. Safety T.J. McDonald suffered a wrist sprain, receiver Bradley Marquez a knee sprain. Both are day to day.

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